Lost Wages, Nevada was the place to be last month and I'm still reeling from all the wonderful sounding products heard. So many rooms so little time. What's one to do? Olympus digital camera in hand, a nice half-smoked Cohiba in the other, I failed to take photos of a couple of setups that kept me doing what I was there for. I want to personally apologize to Albert Von Schweikert in the Von Schweikert Audio/Spectron Audio room who debuted his new VR-1 reference monitor ($999) in what looked to be one of the most beautiful African Hazelwood finishes I've seen on a loudspeaker costing less than one grand. Obviously short in utter low-end weight the sound and aesthetic appeal of the VR-1 matched its ability to disappear right before your eyes. Just like a very good mini-monitor should. Hats off to Von Schweikert once again.

The Eggleston/Dynamic Design room in the Alexis Park had a very nice sounding room. I like the combined sound of what their cables did to the rich and textured sound of the Eggleston Andra II's. I hopefully will be getting the original review pair back sooner than later (it was returned for problems with one of the drivers). The Bel Canto suite had me playing each CD I brought along. Their new, yet unnamed multi-format CD/SACD/DVD-Audio player was truly something to get excited over. In typical Bel Canto fashion, the sound was immensely musical and detailed, fluid in flow and dynamic in impact, the very thing that has me so enamored with this company.

I'm totally psyched because many loudspeakers like the DALI MS5, the Wisdom Audio Adrenaline and the smaller Nearfield Acoustics' Pipe Dreams will be coming my way for review. The Ascendo System Z has arrived and is giving me fits with their qualities, some of which, surpass my reference Talon Khoruses.

There's still plenty of rooms to discuss so let's get back to the 2003 CES…

Flanked by Watt/Puppy 7's ($22,400), a pair of BAT VK150 SE monos ($17,000), and setup with all BAT gear, in typical BAT fashion-set against two opposing walls-made the Watt/Puppies sound better than I could have ever imagined. Shunyata's newest arrivals are their Aries interconnects ($650) and Lyra speaker cable ($1250) had this room really singing. I guess it didn't hurt to see the Hydra AC conditioner ($2495) and Anaconda power cords ($1995), fend off those nasty AC gremlins. I have been listening to both the Lyra and Aries at great length and have, in short, come to conclude that my system took some noticeable good step in the direction of a more natural and enveloping sound since they were introduced. Stay tuned for my review.

Geoff Poor played all 12-tracks, which may have been too much for most coming and going, but I enjoyed 'em all. As impressed as I was with the music I was more than impressed with Poor's near-maniacal adulation for the Blues, which even eclipses mine. I always knew his passions ran deep but his love for his 'Blues' disc reached a new high. I first observed Poor's obsession with blues, during the 2001 CEDIA held in some local hip bar located in downtown Indianapolis, listening to a live Blues band jam away. This night I'll never forget for it was the Saturday night before the 9/11 attacks New York and in Washington D.C. As good as the band sounded and festive the atmosphere was, I simply could not shake this eerie, foreboding all night. So much in fact, I got up, acted like I was going to the men's-room and left without ever saying good night. I never quite understood my apprehension and paranoia until many months later when I saw Barnardski and Poor again. Seeing them instantly brought back that evening. I apologized profusely, explaining I worked in the World Trade Center on the 65th floor of Tower One, and just maybe that explains something. Fortunate for me, I worked a late morning, 9:30-5:30 shift. Call it a premonition or whatever, I'll never forget that feeling.

Talon Audio unveiled their newest and most attractive reference loudspeaker in the 300 lb. Talon Firebird ($25,000). This sweetheart of a loudspeaker may be named after some long extinct bird but there's nothing light in these feathers. Redesigned employing Talon's first three-way design, devoid of the isobaric woofers, and using ceramic drivers in both the midrange and tweeter, marks quite a departure from the models made famous throughout their line. Driven by the all tube Tenor mono amplifiers ($19,900) in my opinion made the sound a bit too soft overall for my tastes, especially in the bass. The midrange was however deliciously rich and robust which seems always the case when tubes are involved. I've always said synergy is the first goal, and as good as these amplifiers are claimed to be, I didn't think this match was made in heaven.

Each time I heard the Talon Khorus outside of my home, where a holy matrimony takes place between the eVo2's and the Khorus X, they sounded their best with digital or solid state amplification. No ifs ands or buts. Talon likes power, fast and furious to sound their best. Still, I think this latest loudspeaker from Mike Farnsworth sounded quite good given the circumstances. We'll get the real verdict when it arrives here for review.

Germany's Jurgen Scheuring (left), digital maven and room-acoustician behind the new loudspeaker Ascendo-in addition to being a true lover of Blues-enjoys the creature comforts of partnering with Zanden Audio's wonderful designer Mr. Yamada.

After more than 15-years of world wide success, Gryphon's Flemming Rusmussen smiles proudly besides his new prized possession in the Cantata Reference Monitor System ($21,000). Boasting to be the first loudspeaker to offer perfect relative phase at all frequencies using what Rusmussen describes as a "acoustic second-order 12 dB/octave Linkwitz-Riley crossover network" isolated in its integral speaker stand. Hooked up to Gryphon's own proprietary cabling, via their super-cool top-loader CD player, called the Mikado (price to be announced) on a trendy looking Gryphon equipment rack to boot, the sound was absolutely stellar. This was certainly one of the rooms that left an indelible sonic imprint.

On a lighter note, Flemming Rusmussen (right) listens intently as our own Jim Merod discusses his beard trimming techniques. Oliver Solomon (right) looks at me wondering whether to apply what he's heard to his mustache. I begged him to give it a try.

Jeff Rowland Design Group proudly displayed their new 300 series amplifiers. Available in one, two and four-channel configurations, the 300 series, with prices starting at $14,000, Rowland claims these amplifiers as being the first to incorporate a novel approach to high-power, high performance amplification. Each channel of the output stage utilizes a proprietary a patented power conversion technology that was intensively researched and developed over a period of years by Karsten Neilsen, PHD at the Henrik Technical University of Denmark and Bang & Olufsen Powerhouse a/s. This technology breaks previous barriers in both conventional analogue and present digital Class D or Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) systems. It utilizes novel modulation techniques and error correction topologies known as Multivariable Enhanced Cascade Control (MECC) and Controlled Oscillation Modulation (COM). MECC is used for control and error correction of frequency response, distortion, noise and output impedance while COM offers a number of distinct advantages, such as better distortion specifications, greater bandwidth, higher efficiency, and a much simpler overall circuit in comparison to previous conversion techniques, such as Class D operation. Cohorts Arne Balgavis as well as Greg Petan have the Model 300 (two-channel) and are quite taken by what Rowland has created in this series. I'm placing my order for a review pair. Stay tuned.

The 7-foot tall Nearfield Acoustics Pipe Dream's model 18 Reference Hemisphere ($49,000 depending on finish) played marvelously through the elegant VAC PHI 70 Ultriode Mono Amplifiers and PHI 2.0 Master Controller preamplifier through the model 18's. Which if you didn't notice, are composed of eighteen 4" woven carbon fiber midrange/woofers and thirty-six silk-dome tweeters in a line array. Crossed over at 65 Hz, al low-end energy was handled by four 18' subwoofers in two separate enclosures. The sound, as usual, whenever driven with Silversmith cables (my present favorites on the Talon's) was splendidly delicate, while detailed and explosive whenever the music demanded.

Resting on the very fine Rix Rax was the all-new First Overture D to A converter from George Mark Technologies ($6,000). The First Overture features a two-chassis, all vacuum-tube, no compromise, digital to analog processor / preamplifier. The digital to analog decoder features 24 bit/192khz capability and also upsamples standard 16/44 Redbook up to 192kHz.

The analog stage consist of a pure triode, true balanced, Class A, zero feedback, all tube differential amplifier. It is designed to drive any power amplifier directly from its outputs. The volume control can be switched out of the circuit if so desired. However, best performance will be achieved using the first overture processor as your control preamplifier connected directly to your power amplifier. Gain is adjustable using internal DIP switches to match the requirements of any power amplifier. Although some processors claim to drive all power amplifiers directly, most accomplish this task with only varying success. The state-of-the-art output stage is one that truly performs this function without compromise.

The signal output exits through standard RCA and Balanced XLR jacks. In addition to multiple digital inputs, a selector switch provides one additional analog input for use by a high quality phono-preamplifier or any other analog source. A front panel switch selects the absolute phase. The heavy duty power supply chassis completes the true dual-mono circuitry. Separate power transformers for digital, left channel analog, and right channel analog circuits are used. Individual dual-mono voltage regulators for the amplifiers and heater-circuits isolate these sensitive stages. Dual IEC connectors separate the digital and analog power supplies completely. Two power cords are required.

Using a 'George Mark' modified Sony 999ES DVD/SACD player for a transport resulted in a life-like, three-dimensional image that only the highest quality vacuum tube preamplifier can produce. The sonic black background created a sense of depth and focus that was immediately apparent allowing the smallest details to be heard in a room that was most often noisy from people coming and going. This was another one of those rare sounding rooms.

Not one of the most elaborately put together rooms at the show, Tact Audio does know their stuff when it comes to making a loudspeaker disappear (too bad they couldn't make those CD's or that telephone disappear too). Appearing from top to bottom, below an unnamed CD/DVD player is the silver Tact 2.2X room correction/preamplifier (priced between at $4,400 and $6,300 depending on AD/DA modules), a silver Tact M2150 ($3,990) amplifier and two black S2150's amplifiers for the Tact W210's woofers. The W210's were wedged into each corner of the front wall next to their crossover-less siblings in the Tact MH1-D's ($4,590 ea). Believe it or not, the MH1-D's were crossed over digitally from the Tact 2.2X (my personal favorite preamp/room corrector) at an astounding 300Hz, which is the reason the W210's are considered true woofers, not subs.

The ability to play this system beyond what anyone would think audibly reasonable or even 'safe' once the music started. Consider what the eyes see when you first enter this room: no big, monster sized, hand-shredding heat sinks strapped to some 300 lb. amps, and yet there was a sense of power, a controlled power I should add, that had my head spinning. Peter Lyndorf put on some drum track that literally drove me out of the room it proved too much for even these experienced ears. I wasn't scared out of the room because of the sound level as much as I thought something was going to blow-up. But when asked Peter to turn the amplifiers driving the W210's off, I must admit that I was mighty surprised to hear that the MH1-D's sounded more like tweeters, albeit super sized ones, than full range loudspeakers. With this high level of crossover employed and a woofer like the W10's, fast and delicate enough to handle all the info coming its way, makes for a ideal situation for head bangers like yours truly, or anyone looking to never even remotely tax their amplifiers. My imagination ran wild with what could be possible with woofers such as these. I've inquired on a review sample. Stay tuned.

VAC's Kevin Hayes is quite pleased posing next to his Avatar Super integrated amplifier slated for release January 2003. Boasting 80-watts of KT88-power per-channel, this beaut, Kevin claims, has a tube life in excess of 8,000 hours, while having a real high-end pre and power amp made under one chassis offer dramatic savings.

If you possess the 'I want only the best money can buy type mentality'… read on. VAC's PHI 2.0 Master Controller glass-encased preamplifier composed of a fully differential triode line stage with transformer coupling and passively equalized triode phono stage and 10-inputs is said, by many I trust, to usher in a new era of what's musically possible from VAC's Renaissance series of excellent electronics. Hey, maybe our own Leon Rivken will get 'em. Heck, he's already a VAC Renaissance lover and owner from head to toe.

I don't know about you but all these glass enclosed amplifiers made me er,…glassy-eyed. I mean c'mon, have you seen anything more beautiful? Here's the new Art Audio Adagio single-ended triode monoblocks using either the KR 52BX (44 watts) or brand-new KR T-100 (60 watts).

Japan's Mr. Kitazawa, (left) smiles along with Zanden's chief architect Mr. Yamada as I was walking into their room. Hmm, I now know why they were all smiles. With the look and sound of their room, they had plenty to smile about.

EveAnna Manley took time along with Coincident's Israel Blume to smile for our camera. Driven with an all-out assault of Manley electronics driving a pair of Coincident Total Victory loudspeakers ($11,500), the sound was cohesive and as open as that relatively small room could allow. Still, the soundstage capability of the Total Victory eclipsed front wall and seemed to come from a bigger and wider venue listening to a variety of CD's I brought personally along. Needless to say there's something special going on between Manley and Coincident products. Synergy indeed.

I can't explain it either but this Siltech Signature Series amp that touts 80-watts, using all top-of-the-line-Siltech internal cabling, costs a staggering $75,000 per pair. They say it's an extremely limited version too. Go figure.

The STASIS 8.0 Stereo Power Amplifier debuted with the Threshold STASIS-R 5.0 Preamplifier driving the wonderful sounding Applause Loudspeakers while the Wadia 861 CD Player handled the music. The entire system featured Cardas Neutral Reference interconnect and loudspeaker cables while the sound of this room was quick and sure-footed in the bass as I've heard from a relatively small and real-world transducer. This immediately reminded me of my time spent with the Nova Applause. I guess lots of credit is owed to the 8.0, Wadia and Cardas synergy.

In the static room, Threshold unveiled their newest entry-level product in the S/5000e ($2,500). In a return to one of Threshold's trademarks, prodigious power at an affordable price, the S/5000e is the first in a new line of compact, high-current, high-wattage design stereo amplifiers. At 200 watts per channel, and capable of easily driving low-impedance reactive loudspeaker loads by way of its massive custom toroidal power transformer and isolated power reserves for voltage and current gain stages, this may be the amp you've been waiting for. They only had showed a static display so I didn't get a chance to hear this beaut but considering Threshold's legendary sounding products the S/5000e looks like a great bargain.

The ever-so gregarious Victor Goldstein (far left), New York's premier audio importer stopped by our louder than usual table to have a chat with the gang (from left to right) Jim Merod, our esteemed editor Greg Weaver, and former contributor now heading up Ultra Audio, Greg Petan. We wish Greg all the best in his new endeavor Who'd ever think one of my closest friends would be over at Soundstage?

Audio Aero's Prestige AV Player($15,000) will accept SACD (two and multi-channel), DVD-V, CD, CD-R, CD-RW, CDV, and in addition, Reads DVD-A by the 24/96 tracks compatible and re-samples them with STARS processor into an enhanced and jitter free highest quality 24/192 signal. This player's slick appearance also sounded very good.

That Audio Aero 41" Plasma debuted as well and should be available this winter with a price as well. The Prestige AV's performance, as well as stylish looks, playing back your standard 16/44 Redbook CD's through a pair of 40-watt Audio Aero Prestige mono amplifiers ($20,000), was deliciously tube-like, but in a way that wasn't syrupy on the top or flubby in the bass. Driving a pair of Wilson Benech ACT II's (sold only in Canada), I got the distinct impression I was sitting in front of something special indeed. Cabling was all Nirvana Audio SX while all AC grunge was handled by Foundation Research. I think it's due time for a formal request of these highly acclaimed electronics.

Chateau Research's M3 Elite Reference Monitors ($3,500) were driven by the gold-plated 500-watt Chateau Research (propriety patented technology) ANACO 2 Digital Stereo Amplifier ($6,000 shown with a separate power-supply chassis) while this little tyke is said to possess over 2500-watts of power supply capacity. Their Uniwave preamplifier ($4,800), shown below, touts a true balanced design output stage that can handle up to six inputs. Linked together using newcomer Steve Nugent's Empircal Audio Holophonic-PC (Perfect Crystal) throughout, terminated using the increasingly more popular Eichmann RCA Bullet-Plugs ($449.98 per meter pair) and Clarity 7 speaker cable ($1520 per 8-foot).

A remote all-digital volume controlling the Uniwave asserts a 110dB signal to noise ratio gave this system incredible transparency that was absolutely dead-quiet as well as musically intoxicating. So much in fact, I requested a review sample of the ANACO 2, so stay tuned.

The grills have changed, but the faces remain the same! The Stereo Times gang awaiting chow-time at a fancy Sushi bar located in the Hard Rock café. From left to right: Yours truly, Greg Weaver, Jim Merod and Leon Rivkin.

Shunyata's Grant Samulson (right) draped in Anaconda AC cords stops for a photo with a mystery helper taken at the end of the show. Notice how Grant has his pal carrying the heavy stuff. Smart, is what I'm thinking.

David Chesky of Chesky Records took time out with the Needle Doctor's Jerry Raskin to pause for a photo.

Acoustic Sound's Chad Kassem smiles for our camera as he sorts through his treasure trove of recordings.

Literal Audio giants George Cardas (Left), who stands 6'4" and Jeff Rowland 6'6" take a moment out to smile for our 6'3" cameraman.

Best Sound

The best sound has always been difficult, based on room conditions, sizes, and a host of other reasons, to judge on any true merit other than the amount of time and energy it takes to get a decent sounding room, period. And it's exactly to this point that I think such honors ought to be bestowed. This years winners in my opinion were the many that impressed me in terms of price, but my ultimate vote has to go out to the DALI's MS5. At $12,500, they very well may be the loudspeaker to beat in that price category.

Price no object

Hands down, had to go to the Wisdom Audio Suite held in the Chateau Ballroom. There were two systems but the one that overturned my boat with no life-support was the system that, well I wouldn't consider affordable nor, in this case repeatable (due to a failed CD player). No matter how many times I returned the sound was never quite as good as it was that first Thursday night for reasons I can't explain except that being the perfectionist the Wisdom team is, they themselves were never able to duplicate the sound. But that one time was enough for me. The sound made everything I heard previous sound like hi-fi. No matter how expensive or the venue, at a show or in some audio nut's home like mine. This was far and away the best I've heard played back through an audio system. Greg Petan, who witnessed this audible assault on the senses agreed wholeheartedly. This wasn't just another great event, but an audio experience that comes around very rarely, and for an audiophile like myself, who has so much to play with, if ever. To my ears this was the most life-like presentation I had ever heard. Period. Now for the asking price of this system, it well should have sounded every bit as good as I'm claiming. Actually, I don't think mere claims or words can do the sound I heard justice. It was just that incredible. Somebody should have carted off the folks that set these up because just as incredible as the sound, was how in the world could the Wisdom team figure they had to go and screw it up in some vain attempt to get it to sound better. Go figure. They never did. They're not totally at fault for that near $17,000 CD player started coughing up zeros and ones before totally giving out on Friday. Hell, after this fiasco, I went into my stash of CD's looking for something apropos like Teddy Pendergrass singing "Bad Luck."

The system was the Infinite Rush Planar Line Source Speaker System ($225,000). Composed of a Three Planar Array configured in individual frequency duties preserving line source phenomena. The arrays are mated with Rush subwoofers. The Infinite Wisdom series mated with Rush Subwoofers is becoming quite popular states the man behind the curtain, Wisdom's chief designer Tom Bohlander. I guess he's referring to Bill Gates and all his cronies because I don't know ANYONE that's using this super magical sounding but super duper expensive setup. The rest of it was made up of all Wisdom product slated for release this month beginning with the Wisdom Model 90 SACD Compact Disc Player ($16,900), the Wisdom Model 25 Preamplifier ($14,880) fed all signal into a Rush Active Brain crossover, separating the Sub and Planar signals.

The Planar signals were sent to two Wisdom Model 17 Smart Two Channel Hi-Current Amplifiers ($30,400 each). These amps have Active Brain crossovers within them to allow one channel to drive the outboard lower frequency planars, and one channel to drive the center higher frequency planar in the array . The Subwoofer signals were sent to two Wisdom Model 27 Two Channel Hi-Current Amplifiers for the Rush subs ($23,400 each). Using Nordost Valhalla Balanced Interconnects and Wisdom Audio's own Compression Pin Connection Speaker Wire throughout. Hey, somebody like Bill Gates might consider this a bargain. Especially if he were here last year and saw the Million Dollar system from Wisdom, which in my humble opinion was not as good as this. An absolute awesome display of what audio can do when done right…even if for only one day.